Best Simon and Garfunkel Songs

1. The Sound of Silence

   

   They've done so many great songs. I was curious to see what number one was, and I totally agree. This was the first song of theirs I ever heard back in 1966 when I was 12, and it was so different from anything else on the radio at that time. I knew right away whoever these guys were, they were going to be great.

   Not a single word chosen by chance.

   This song combines a haunting melody with poetic lyrics rich in imagery.

2. Bridge Over Troubled Water

   

   If there's one song by Simon and Garfunkel that everyone knows, it's this one. Paul Simon may have written one of the top ten greatest songs in the history of music with "Bridge Over Troubled Water."

   The lyrics are iconic, the instrumentals are beautiful and almost tear-jerking, and it's Simon and Garfunkel at their finest. I love "The Sound of Silence" a lot, but this song is something that people should be listening to until the human race goes extinct.

   This is an absolutely legendary song, and there will never be another song like this one ever again.

   Simply the best. When you look at their overall body of work, "Bridge" is not only smart, it is poetic and has the instrumentals that make it truly powerful.

   It's touching. It may be one of the most important songs ever written, created, or sung. Simply the best. Maybe ever.

3. The Boxer

   

   This is the very definition of a fight song. It's an anthem of perseverance through adversity, and it hits you harder than any song Simon and Garfunkel ever put out.

   The only one that tops it is "The Sound of Silence" because it had a much bigger impact on music, but this is one of the most powerful songs you will ever hear.

   When I first heard this song, I couldn't get it out of my head. It went directly to my heart. I love Simon and Garfunkel, and I feel like this is their best song. But at the same time, I simply cannot choose between The Boxer and The Sound of Silence.

   All in all, I love their music, and it'll stay with me forever.

4. Mrs. Robinson

   

   How anyone could think that this is not Simon and Garfunkel's best song, I cannot imagine. It is easily in the top ten best (non-Classical) songs ever written and goes beautifully with The Graduate (1967).

   This song was from the 1967 movie The Graduate. The Mrs. Robinson of the title was a middle-aged married woman who seduced the movie's hero, a recent college graduate (who was advised, in a famous scene, to go into "Plastics!").

   It manages to be both catchy and reflective, and the tight harmonies are a joy to hear. "Here's to you, Mrs. Robinson, heaven holds a place for those who pray. Hey, hey, hey..."

5. Scarborough Fair / Canticle

   

   I think of this as the "parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme" song. Beautiful traditional melody and beautiful harmonies by S&G.

   I got to know about this song only through the book "The Perks of Being a Wallflower." Thanks, Charlie, for giving me such wonderful songs to listen to!

   Best song ever. Such an easy and heavy melody, and brilliant lyrics, mixed in a really nice ballad. #1 in my opinion.

6. America

   

   One of their best songs. Garfunkel's harmonies are superb.

   This song is why I'm leaving home to become a stewardess.

   It's so hard to pick a favorite, but this one is mine.

7. I Am a Rock

   

   I always knew that Simon and Garfunkel were good, but when I heard this song for the first time, it felt comfortable and familiar. I knew I had discovered something magnificent.

   THE SONG.

   The depth of this song surpasses the best lyrics anyone could ever write.

   I like how they did a song about reclusive people.

8. Homeward Bound

   

   I almost think you could take the top four and put them in any order, then take the next four and do the same thing. In any case, I think Top Tens got the top eight spot on.

   I love this song. I'm surprised to see it at number six as it has always seemed kind of underrated to me. Love the beginning guitar riff.

9. Cecilia

   

10. The Only Living Boy in New York

    

    A song about their breakup. The multi-layered, smoothed screaming in a cupboard is just mind-blowing - their own version of scream therapy. Drums, lyrics, and instrumentation are all top-notch.

    Otherworldly, hauntingly beautiful, and lush melody. My absolute favorite...and that's saying a lot, given how excellent all their music is!

    Masterpiece. The ranking loses credibility seeing this song out of the top ten. Makes no sense.

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Bye Bye Love - Simon & Garfunkel

    
12. ?

    Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream

    
The Contenders

13. April Come She Will

    

    I just loved how when I was little my dad used to play the guitar and sing this song. It is a beautiful piece of music, and I still like to hear it.

    Tells a short, beautiful story. This is why I love S&G.

14. El Condor Pasa (If I Could)

    

    Although the words sound as if they come from an ancient traditional folk song, Paul Simon actually wrote them himself to accompany the melody from a Peruvian song.

15. The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)

    

    An anthem to youthful good spirits and being carefree from a bygone era when "groovy" was a word that people really used.

16. For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her

    

    I began listening to Simon and Garfunkel when I was 12. As I progressed into maturity, this song repeatedly helped me move through my frustrations as a young soul full of uncertain love.

    Without the poetry, melody, and understanding given to me by Simon and Garfunkel, my ability to understand music, love, and myself would not be as developed as it is today. I give my thanks to Simon and Garfunkel for this song and others that have become and will always be a part of me, a part of my love for the world!

    This is a masterpiece of emotion called love. It was written for Emily Dickinson out of love, who passed away a century before this song was composed. You can feel that love.

17. Kathy's Song

    

    This song is one of the most inspired compositions of Paul Simon, with touching lyrics about his feelings towards his girlfriend and his life. His perfect mastery of singing and great guitar playing contribute to making this song one of the most beautiful that I know.

    Listen to the live version from 1969. This is a masterpiece.

    The song gives such a feeling of quietness. Every time I listen to it, I feel light and happy. Paul Simon's vocals are at a high point here. This is easily my favorite Simon and Garfunkel song.

18. A Hazy Shade of Winter

    

    One of their best. Third best behind The Sound of Silence and I Am a Rock. Underrated, which I could never understand. Folk rock at its best.

    My third favorite after Mrs. Robinson and The Sound of Silence. I voted for this so it could get higher.

    One of the best guitar riffs ever!

19. Silent Night/7 O'Clock News

    

20. Bookends Theme

    

    It's a minute and 15 seconds of pure beauty. The melancholy voice and nostalgic lyrics make me melt on the inside.

21. Leaves that are Green

    

    Such an upbeat, folky ditty that never fails to get me smiling while reminding me of Paul Simon's songwriting genius.

22. The Dangling Conversation

    

    A gem among the many gems of S & G. Not as popular as others, but brilliant all the same.

23. My Little Town

    

    A great song from the greatest duo of all time after their breakup. It's no surprise that Paul put it on Still Crazy After All These Years.

24. Old Friends

    

    The spirit of the duo is captured beautifully. One of their top 15 songs.

25. Keep the Customer Satisfied

    

26. Flowers Never Bend With the Rainfall

    My mind dances and leaps in confusion as to why this song isn't number one!

    The tune is astonishingly beautiful, and so are the lyrics.

27. At the Zoo

    

    I love this song's progression and just everything about it. I love just about every Simon and Garfunkel song, but this is just a cut above.